SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka is calling on government to provide alternative avenues for livelihoods for the iTaukei villagers following the new restrictions announced by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
In a letter from the Deputy Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs, Pita Tagicakirewa, to the village headmen and district representatives, it has been stated that villagers cannot go out fishing.
It was also stated that village headmen have to enforce village lockdown and for villagers not to go from one village to another.
Gavoka says while they welcome the basis of these restrictions announced by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, how does the ministry and government plan to assist villagers, especially those that rely on fishing as a means of meeting their basic needs.
Gavoka says it would be very irresponsible on the part of the authorities to expect our villagers, rural dwellers and fishermen to apply for FNPF assistance while they are restricted from earning income or feeding their families.
He says the main concern given the new restrictions is that even fishermen are prohibited to go out to their i-qoliqoli for their daily sustenance and with the restriction of movements, how will these villagers or subsistence farmers provide for their families.
Gavoka says government should provide some sort of assistance to villagers as they should be able to have access to a form of assistance during this period.
He says restrictions cannot be imposed if there are no contingency plans in place to support those that are required to comply.
We are currently trying to speak to Tagicakirewa.
